According to an affidavit field with the court by Rutland County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ryan-LeBlanc, Sargent was seen by sales staff stealing items from Kmart in the Diamond Run Mall in Rutland Town.

Police confronted Sargent, who allegedly admitted to stealing what was later found to be just under $200 worth of merchandise from the store. According to the affidavit, Ryan-LeBlanc asked Sargent why he stole the items.

“He stated ‘My grandchildren are going back to school and I wanted to bring something home for them to have,’” Ryan-LeBlanc wrote.

Sargent also pleaded innocent to a charge of unlawful trespass because he has a no-trespass order against him from the mall.